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		Greater Raleigh Chapter # 70 SCRC
	Miscellaneous Tips

 

Leather, A Biker's Friend

 

In studies of 'survivability' of various garment materials to a 50 MPH ride on asphalt, the following results were found.

Denim lasted no more than FOUR FEET before wearing through.

Kevlar, on the other hand, lasted EIGHTEEN FEET.

Standard motorcycle quality leather (about three times heavier than fashion jacket material) lasted EIGHTY-SIX FEET. That's more than 20 times as effective as your jeans in protecting your hide.

[The tests were reported in the September 1988 issue of Cycle magazine.]

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The Motorcycle Safety Foundation has a three-part Course Review and skill based Motorcycle Challenge online... see how well you do! 

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WHAT ARE THE SITUATIONS WHEN ACCIDENTS
ARE MOST LIKELY TO OCCUR?

 

Left Turns
The most common accident between cars and motorcycles is at an intersection when the automobile driver is making a left turn in front of a motorcycle.  Over forty percent of all motorcycle accidents occur at intersections.  Judging the correct speed and distance of an on-coming motorcycle is difficult, if the driver sees the motorcycle at all.

 

Car's Blind Spot
Cyclists riding alongside a lane of cars are often out of the view of the driver.   An unsuspecting driver may collide with a motorcyclist as the driver tries to change lanes.

 

Hazardous Road Conditions
Motorcyclists have to be much more concerned about road obstructions.   Potholes, fallen tree limbs, or railroad tracks may be minor problems for many drivers.  A motorcyclist may have to slow down or change lanes to avoid these obstacles.

 

Weather Conditions
When the road surface is wet or icy, motorcyclists' braking and handling abilities are impaired.

 

Strong Winds
A strong gust of wind can move a motorcycle across an entire lane if the rider isn't prepared for it.  Wind gusts from large trucks in the other lane can be a real hazard.

 

Large Vehicles
A large vehicle, such as a van or truck, can block a cycle from a driver's view.   The motorcyclist may seem to suddenly appear from nowhere.

 

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TOP TEN LIST: Ways to Avoid Biker Bug-Breath

 

10.  Attach a big windshield to your bike

  9.  Wear a helmet shield

  8.  Wrap a bandana around your face

  7.  Let your inner child do all the smiling

  6.  Keep your lips shut when you smile

  5.  Spit as soon as you taste something foreign

  4.  Take your teeth out before you put the key in

  3.  Chew lots of minty-fresh gum

  2.  Gargle with bug spray

  1.  Grow a bug-filtering mustache and smile!

 

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More articles on safety can be viewed HERE.

 

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WEBMONSTER